How to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar by train

What to expect onboard

Malaysia’s railway network has undergone significant investment in the past few years, including the electrification of the West Coast Line and the purchase of new train sets, which were designed in China and assembled here in Malaysia. This has led to a more reliable service, and increased comfort for passengers.

The service from KL Sentral to Padang Besar is typically made up of one business class carriage and five standard class, all of which offer luggage storage, reclining seats, tray tables, information screens, and power points (three-pin and USB slots).

Business class might seem appealing but in our opinion, it doesn’t justify the additional expense. Although there’s a wider seat and free meal, it fails to meet expectations and you’re better off staying in Standard Class.

You can check out a full review of ETS Business Class here.

What are the toilets like?

On these brand-new trains, the toilets are as clean and well-maintained as you’d expect, certainly a step up from many we’ve experienced in other parts of Southeast Asia. Toilet paper and soap are usually kept topped-up, but you might prefer to bring your own supplies just in case.

Toilets are located next to Coach B and Coach E. Coach F’s toilet is reserved for disabled passengers and is specially adapted to their needs.

Catering options

Business Class passengers receive a free meal but Standard Class passengers must walk along the train to Coach C, where a bistro is located. At first glance these microwaved meals might not look very appealing, but they’re actually tasty and filling, great value at around RM12 for noodles or rice dishes.

You can also purchase soft drinks, tea, coffee, crisps and biscuits.

Payment is via cash or e-wallets only.

Journey description

KL Sentral is a modern transport hub, offering everything you need for your journey, although it does lack the romance and history of its predecessor, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, which is the first stop on the journey. Take a look out of the windows as the train enters Kuala Lumpur to see the ornate architecture and grand departure area.

The first few kilometres of the trip see the train slip out of KL’s city centre, with the world-famous skyline in the background. It takes a while to break free of the suburbs and industrial outskirts of the city, but eventually you’re out into the open countryside, with farmland, rivers and mountains on the horizon.

Just beyond the major city of Ipoh, look out for the lake crossing at Bukit Merah, home to the orangutans at the Bukit Merah Orangutan Foundation. After passing the junction for Butterworth station and the island of Penang, the train continues north and you’re treated to some of the best views of the journey, especially around the town of Gurun, with mountains, rocky outcrops, river crossings and acre upon acre of palm oil plantations.

Padang Besar is like any other border town: soulless, rough around the edges, and somewhere you ideally want to spend as little time as possible. Most passengers arrive here and board the daily service to Bangkok, although there are other options to cross the border, including shuttle trains and minibuses to Hat Yai in Thailand.

READ OUR GUIDE: How to get from Padang Besar to Bangkok by train